11-26-2020, 02:56 AM
The thing about Brandon Smith is that he can play multiple roles. The obvious position aside from Hooker is back at Lock. If Jarome Hughes does go it will free up a position and enable us to keep Cameron Smith, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant in the one team. It may limit game time to Cooper Johns, but he will get his opportunities and learn a lot this coming year.
Given Queensland's Origin success, it is the likes of Christian Welch who opposition teams will target with offers (Broncos in particular). Harry Grant will get a long-term deal in Melbourne, but if the Broncos offer a big-money longer deal for someone like Welch it will be almost impossible to match. They may do the same for Felise Kaufusi, but I suspect it would be the Warriors or Cowboys more in his case. We have more coverage in the pack with Chris Lewis and Max King assuming they stay. Both can play Second Row or Lock, and additionally, Nicho Hynes is versatile enough to play from Second Row out to the Centres.
It will be an interesting offseason and we won't know until the roster is finalised. I would expect a couple of journeymen to find their way to the Storm again this year.
Given Queensland's Origin success, it is the likes of Christian Welch who opposition teams will target with offers (Broncos in particular). Harry Grant will get a long-term deal in Melbourne, but if the Broncos offer a big-money longer deal for someone like Welch it will be almost impossible to match. They may do the same for Felise Kaufusi, but I suspect it would be the Warriors or Cowboys more in his case. We have more coverage in the pack with Chris Lewis and Max King assuming they stay. Both can play Second Row or Lock, and additionally, Nicho Hynes is versatile enough to play from Second Row out to the Centres.
It will be an interesting offseason and we won't know until the roster is finalised. I would expect a couple of journeymen to find their way to the Storm again this year.